Faster Detection for Eye Infections
Developing a high-throughput panel for rapid detection of pathogens causing infectious keratitis
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11093963
This research aims to create a quick and accurate test to identify the germs causing serious eye infections, helping doctors choose the right treatment sooner.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11093963 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Infectious keratitis, or corneal infection, can lead to vision loss and blindness if not treated quickly and correctly. Currently, finding the specific germ (bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites) causing the infection can take days, and sometimes the tests don't even find it. This delay means patients might not get the right medicine right away, which can make their condition worse. Researchers are creating a new, rapid test that can quickly identify these different germs from a tiny eye sample. This new test aims to provide faster, more accurate results to help doctors start the most effective treatment much sooner.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients experiencing symptoms of infectious keratitis, such as eye pain, redness, or blurred vision, would be the primary beneficiaries of this improved diagnostic method.
Not a fit: Patients without infectious keratitis or those whose infections are already accurately diagnosed and treated may not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new test could help patients with eye infections receive the correct treatment much faster, potentially preventing vision loss and blindness.
How similar studies have performed: While current methods are slow, this project proposes a novel TaqMan-based assay (TLLPS) with unique advantages for rapid pathogen detection in eye samples, suggesting it's a new approach.
Where this research is happening
CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KURTENBACH, STEFAN — UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: KURTENBACH, STEFAN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.